Movie Crush Monday: CT & The Assassination of Jesse James

Ok, so I have a confession to make about this week's Movie Crush Monday, Andrew Dominik's absolutely stunning The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford. Ok, make that two confessions. First, that title is what we in the film industry like to call hella long so I'm going to shorten it from here on out to Jesse James. Second, I first saw this film in college and I was genuinely disappointed to see it on the syllabus. I'd heard it was boring and slow, and I dreaded the day we watched it. 

Boy was I wrong about that. 

I could basically teach a masterclass on all the things I love about this movie but instead I'll keep it short and sweet and talk about three big things: the performances (outstanding), the writing (absolutely delicious), and the cinematography (jaw-dropping). So here we go!

So the thing about the performances in Jesse James is that yes, this is a movie filled to the brim with spectacular actors and they are being pushed to new levels in their performances. Brad Pitt is so quiet and subtle as Jesse James that his moments of violence seem to almost shock him as much as they do the audience. Sam Rockwell, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard- these are all just amazing actors doing some of their best work. They convey emotion through the smallest gestures, painting a complex picture of the characters and their relationships rather than shouting what they're thinking at the audience. I think there's a reason Brad Pitt says this is his favorite movie he's ever been in. It feels like a once-in-a-career performance from not just him but the entire cast. And special props to Affleck, who so perfectly captures the awkwardness and tension inside Robert Ford. 

But oh dear, the writing. I just want to read this movie out loud because these words are so pretty put together like this. The thing is that Jesse James uses voice over narration which normally bugs the living day lights out of me. But it's used so well, to make a point about storytelling and why we should or shouldn't believe everything we hear about who Jesse James was. Plus, the narration is just gorgeously written. Listen to this bit that's used to introduce Jesse James: "Rooms seemed hotter when he was in them. Rains fell straighter. Clocks slowed. Sounds were amplified." Readers, it just makes me so dang happy. 

Element three that makes this movie so freaking good is the cinematography. Hoooooly cow the cinematography. Dominik was clearly inspired by Terrance Malick (I think he's even said as much), but it has a really unique feel to it. The movie is straight gorgeous. The cinematographer, Roger Deakins, has even said that one of the scenes (the train arriving as seen below) is one of the high points in his career. Because yes, it's that pretty. 

So if you haven't seen it, go check out Jesse James. It's slow, yes, and probably not for everyone but holy cats is it a visual treat. 

Happy Watching!

CT